tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55355589398023204312018-03-05T19:14:43.174-08:00SewFunDesign.comSew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-20192162783916520622015-12-15T19:07:00.002-08:002015-12-15T20:07:10.660-08:00Design Boutique Open For Business<b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">I love to go to stores that are filled with booths of all kinds of decor items, vintage and household must haves.&nbsp; Within a few miles of Allendale there are several shops to spend a few hours going from booth to booth and discovering surprises in each one.</span></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">I have often thought I could do this! I love thrift shops, garage sales, close-out sales and Craigslist. Most of this time I find too many items for my house- how perfect to shop for things other might love! Of course my daughters love the things I come home with and let me know all the time how willing they are to take them off my hands. &nbsp; At Christmas they each receive at least one thrift store find and most of the time can't guess which one is the thrift store treasure. </span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nc8XW1eRZmc/VnDLbXHH-mI/AAAAAAAAAbA/UlysOTIjYuw/s1600/reddoor.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nc8XW1eRZmc/VnDLbXHH-mI/AAAAAAAAAbA/UlysOTIjYuw/s400/reddoor.PNG" width="400" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">I visited&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRedDoorConsignmentAllendaleMI?fref=ts" target="_blank">The Red Door Consignment Shoppe and Red Door Mall</a></span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Address: Allendale Michigan, 6837 Lake Michigan Drive, at the corner of 68th street.</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">I loved it immediately, located close to home and exactly the design opportunity I was looking for.</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">I found a few items that with some new paint would be great for my new boutique. One at a thrift store&nbsp; the other on Craigslist.</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VO1so17Je80/VnDN-BKMt8I/AAAAAAAAA4I/iZo2faFBFYk/s1600/20151121_115138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VO1so17Je80/VnDN-BKMt8I/AAAAAAAAA4I/iZo2faFBFYk/s320/20151121_115138.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eYIjrIKDrsE/VnDOy8Kx7uI/AAAAAAAAA_o/iuQp1otSzOI/s1600/20151125_182249_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eYIjrIKDrsE/VnDOy8Kx7uI/AAAAAAAAA_o/iuQp1otSzOI/s320/20151125_182249_resized.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">This is how they turned out.</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NYxlORDPqJ4/VnDO-BqR2bI/AAAAAAAABAw/AtKyvszQANE/s1600/20151127_130827_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NYxlORDPqJ4/VnDO-BqR2bI/AAAAAAAABAw/AtKyvszQANE/s400/20151127_130827_resized.jpg" width="225" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ak1PN8S4oY/VnDPESI6GCI/AAAAAAAABBY/bfj1-3ITCYI/s1600/20151212_125534_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ak1PN8S4oY/VnDPESI6GCI/AAAAAAAABBY/bfj1-3ITCYI/s400/20151212_125534_resized.jpg" width="225" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Both pieces sold in the first two weeks! </span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Introducing............................ Sew Fun Design Boutique!</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jsxtg4gyLlw/VnDRtTWP37I/AAAAAAAABLk/YqIMMp_6e8o/s1600/store.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jsxtg4gyLlw/VnDRtTWP37I/AAAAAAAABLk/YqIMMp_6e8o/s400/store.PNG" width="400" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Hope you can stop by soon! (It really is a fun place to shop)</span></b><br /><br /><br />Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-40318703592065260552012-07-29T19:56:00.000-07:002015-12-15T16:50:18.006-08:00A Fun Bedroom Design For 6 Girls<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ALL six of my grand children are girls, they range in age from 2 months up to 9 years old.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I had so much fun planning a room for when they come visit our lake front home.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">&nbsp;(Hopefully it turn out so comfortable they never want to leave:) </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I started with an idea from an <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/sarahshouse/" target="_blank"><b>HGTV Show called Sarah's House </b></a>. Sarah Richardson did a&nbsp; bedroom in<b> </b>a<b>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/sarahscottage/" target="_blank"> cottage</a></b> for her own children. She used different but matching quilts.&nbsp; Here is a link to<a href="http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/" target="_blank"><b> Sarah's website</b></a>.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">&nbsp;I put that idea in my " decorating binder" that I store all my favorite colors and ideas in.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNGg4-rwqSg/UBX2PTzArBI/AAAAAAAAASU/A4zk_myGJYc/s1600/colorsdecora+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNGg4-rwqSg/UBX2PTzArBI/AAAAAAAAASU/A4zk_myGJYc/s400/colorsdecora+(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I found 6 different quilts that have the same color pallet, but each one has a different designs.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJCPoFPxcW8/UDba1PIJtVI/AAAAAAAAAU0/RJxxfuJ_6uA/s1600/13%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJCPoFPxcW8/UDba1PIJtVI/AAAAAAAAAU0/RJxxfuJ_6uA/s640/13%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I decided to go with, bright green, soft yellow and pinks, which are the dominant colors in the quilts. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We painted the room a beautiful soft yellow from<b> </b><a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/westonflax" target="_blank"><b>Benjamin Moore- called HC5- Weston Flax</b>&nbsp;</a></span> <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(My idea book had a note from an old <b><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/" target="_blank">House Beautiful Magazine</a></b>, stating the this yellow was perfect for a north facing room. The girls lake front bedroom window faces north)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now that it is painted - <b>I totally agree with House Beautiful--- it looks beautiful</b> ---<b>I am loving me some yellow) </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My next challenge was to find a dresser that had 6 drawers., I wanted to put their names on each drawer.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">&nbsp;I&nbsp; found this dresser&nbsp; that&nbsp; desperately needed some TLC at a local thrift store for 90.00. It is a mid-century style with lovely curved drawer fronts.The dresser was solid but ugly:) </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5j6NDFxjhA/UBSRLBSMwFI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/W6MOErbCs4I/s1600/beforedresser.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5j6NDFxjhA/UBSRLBSMwFI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/W6MOErbCs4I/s320/beforedresser.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I took it to a very talented lady a<a href="http://reimaginedjustforyou.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">t Re-Imagined.</span>&nbsp;</span></a>&nbsp; Michelle is so creative and uses <a href="http://www.anniesloan.com/" target="_blank"><b>Annie Sloan Chalk Paints</b></a>.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I gave her the color scheme and some fabrics that I was going to use for decorating the room and told her just go for it ~ I have seen a lot of her work and I completely trusted her to create a beautiful&nbsp; and fun piece of furniture for the grand girls room! </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here is the dresser completed. I love it!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j25xCRDcf1Y/UDbZc2A-zkI/AAAAAAAAAT8/Gm5UKDWo-iE/s1600/3%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j25xCRDcf1Y/UDbZc2A-zkI/AAAAAAAAAT8/Gm5UKDWo-iE/s320/3%255B1%255D.jpg" width="311" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1197513314"><br /></a><a href="http://reimaginedjustforyou.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">&nbsp;<b>Michelle at Re-Imagined Just For You</b></a><b>,</b>&nbsp; also created a really unique wall hanging for their room. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">&nbsp;I had wanted to write a permanent note to the girls that was also dated Summer 2012 to remember the year we completed the room for them. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One of the times I stopped at Re-Imagined , they had stacks of cupboard and drawer fronts, over 600 of them:)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Michelle told me they where going to make some fun things with paint and hooks. &nbsp; I knew immediately I had to have one.&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wtsr4II8ikQ/UBSWQtJePNI/AAAAAAAAARk/sGKMig-57xw/s1600/loveboard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wtsr4II8ikQ/UBSWQtJePNI/AAAAAAAAARk/sGKMig-57xw/s400/loveboard.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">&nbsp;It turned out so cute. The cupboard and drawer front re-imagined---- with chalk board paint &amp; hooks. I had her finish it with permanent&nbsp; white paint so our note would last forever.&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It looks&nbsp; so great on the wall.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We finished the room with 3 set of cream cottage looking bunk beds.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.artvan.com/Furniture/Store/ArtVan__10001_10052_" target="_blank">They came from Art Van Furniture in Grand Rapids Michigan </a></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.artvan.com/Furniture/Store/Product_Petite-Philippe-Collection-Yth_10051_10052_-1_800011840_20002_20000" target="_blank"><b>It is from their Petite Phillipe Collection. </b></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hNTjyOSWYHI/UDbagTTnnZI/AAAAAAAAAUk/ZN_TW74u36U/s1600/4%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hNTjyOSWYHI/UDbagTTnnZI/AAAAAAAAAUk/ZN_TW74u36U/s640/4%255B2%255D.jpg" width="420" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-18gsI7Z3TUE/UDbaoSmBXoI/AAAAAAAAAUs/kHFe19_8GdU/s1600/7%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-18gsI7Z3TUE/UDbaoSmBXoI/AAAAAAAAAUs/kHFe19_8GdU/s640/7%255B2%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I also love the "port hole" looking mirror which is perfect for this lakefront bedroom</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nXFu3mb3r10/UDbaR9pwueI/AAAAAAAAAUc/2I5B-eL5JXg/s1600/3%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nXFu3mb3r10/UDbaR9pwueI/AAAAAAAAAUc/2I5B-eL5JXg/s640/3%255B2%255D.jpg" width="622" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I hope the "Grand Girls" love the room and make many memories of being at grandma &amp; grandpa lakefront home.&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-53769306639441495492012-07-17T15:48:00.003-07:002012-08-23T18:14:31.847-07:00Have you ever heard of a Sleepy Hollow Chair?We are in the process of finishing our lower level, completing a 1200 sq feet area, a big project for 2 people who are still working full-time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YF-qaXeNiT8/UAXpr--jy6I/AAAAAAAAAQk/7RF-6KyTBFU/s1600/benbasement.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YF-qaXeNiT8/UAXpr--jy6I/AAAAAAAAAQk/7RF-6KyTBFU/s320/benbasement.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />One fault that I will admit to having, is once the creative ideas start flowing for a new decorating project- I tend to branch out into the existing areas. So, not only am I managing the lower level&nbsp; project I started changing the main level too!<br /><br />&nbsp;I just mentioned to my husband&nbsp; in passing I would SOME DAY like to change the paint colors up stairs (I probably should have waited until the lower level was done)&nbsp; You ladies know what I mean, just rearranging the furniture and maybe adding a few new things.......<br />&nbsp; <br />My poor husband is trying hard to keep up with me.<br /><br />After picking out a new color pallet- I always start with color.&nbsp; I saw an accent chair on Craig's List, that I just had to have, it matched perfectly!<br /><br />They called it a "Sleepy Hollow Chair".&nbsp; Here is what I found out about the history of&nbsp; Sleepy Hollow Furniture. <br /><br /><i><a href="http://app.reference.com/click/nn1ov4?clksite=ref&amp;clkquery=412D85C435F7BC484B6128D4D51E111F&amp;clkpage=enc&amp;clkimpr=UAW99TLAaElkwmQO&amp;clkld=0&amp;clkref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3D%26esrc%3Ds%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D2%26ved%3D0CFsQFjAB%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.reference.com%252Fbrowse%252Fupholstery%26ei%3D6b0FUOrPEcfBrQGz2O3cCA%26usg%3DAFQjCNGACF7Kgy90wEmFj2Tqj8OhXS9Tig%26sig2%3Df9Y4PjJ_RaYsJJ7qc-m93A&amp;clken=1clk&amp;clkord=0&amp;clkblk=d&amp;clktemp=mid&amp;clkmod=1clk&amp;clkitem=Grand%20Rapids%2C%20Michigan&amp;clkdest=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference.com%2Fbrowse%2Fwiki%2FGrand_Rapids%252C_Michigan" id="ref_result" title="Grand Rapids, Michigan">Grand Rapids, Michigan</a><span id="hotword">&nbsp;<span id="hotword" name="hotword">is</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">known</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">as</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">furniture</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">city</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">and</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">many</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">best</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">upholsterers</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">can</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">still</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">be</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">found</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">there.</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">These</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">craftsmen</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">continue</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">create</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">recreate</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">many</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">antique</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">and</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">modern</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">pieces</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">furniture.</span> </span></i><br /><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">One</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">more</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">exceptional</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">pieces</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">leather</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">furniture</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">is</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">beautiful</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">antique</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">sleepy</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">hollow</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">chair.</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">A</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">chair</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">made</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">famous</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">by</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">West</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">Michigan</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">based</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">upholsterer</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">Francisco</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">Melendez.</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">He</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">revolutionized</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">antique</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">upholstery</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">business</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">state</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> </span><a href="http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Michigan" id="ref_result" title="Michigan">Michigan</a><span id="hotword">&nbsp;<span id="hotword" name="hotword">where</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">many</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">leather</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">sleepy</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">hollow</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">chairs</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">grace</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">Grand</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Rapids</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">homes.</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">This</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">style</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">chair</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">was</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">introduced</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">by</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">Francisco</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Melendez</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> </span><a href="http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Puerto_Rico" id="ref_result" title="Puerto Rico">Puerto Rico</a><span id="hotword">&nbsp;<span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">late</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">1990s;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">and</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">can</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">be</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">seen</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">number</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">upscale</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">homes.</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">The</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">chair,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">beautiful</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">work</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">art,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">is</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">tufted</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">with</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">buttons</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">and</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">is</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">usually</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">accompanied</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">by</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">an</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">antique</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">leather</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">ottoman.</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">Still,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">more</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">than</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">40</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">years</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">after</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">his</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">introduction</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">upholstery,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Francisco</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Melendez</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">continues</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">create</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">art</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">form</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">upholstered</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">antique</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">and</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">modern</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">furniture.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">&nbsp;</span> </span></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ry8mFWCZXvs/UAXpdqfzv1I/AAAAAAAAAQU/IU62JxP2YFQ/s1600/sleepy1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ry8mFWCZXvs/UAXpdqfzv1I/AAAAAAAAAQU/IU62JxP2YFQ/s400/sleepy1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />I bought the chair and matching foot stool on Craig's List, in pristine condition for $75.00.&nbsp; I know mine is a genuine sleepy hollow by the markings.&nbsp; I also was able to call the furniture store on the label of the chair they verified the authenticity of the chair. The color of the leather is a beautiful soft gold. More like a taupe- the photo looks too yellow.<br /><br />&nbsp;I am totally in love with my new/old chair.<br /><br />&nbsp;The chair is more like a buckskin color- above photo is too yellow- below&nbsp; photo is too cream:&nbsp; I LOVE the color of it:)&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Txi_x8LLgkw/UDbVHrTT05I/AAAAAAAAAS8/ek_3aebdzJI/s1600/newchairphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Txi_x8LLgkw/UDbVHrTT05I/AAAAAAAAAS8/ek_3aebdzJI/s400/newchairphoto.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />&nbsp;It is in perfect show room condition and a very comfortable chair. I think it is an amazing find.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8T6YW2QHRgE/UAXpZd7CiAI/AAAAAAAAAQM/8BiiKdFT6EI/s1600/sleelpy3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8T6YW2QHRgE/UAXpZd7CiAI/AAAAAAAAAQM/8BiiKdFT6EI/s400/sleelpy3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br />I am going to redecorate my entire living&nbsp; room around it. <br /><br /><br />Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-74202735048925927682012-07-11T19:11:00.000-07:002012-07-12T17:23:43.291-07:00Tansy Green Leather End TableIn 2007 we bought a beautiful condo on a lake. The sun-room is a favorite spot to relax. I painted the lake facing wall --<a href="http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6424-tansy-green/" target="_blank"> <b>Sherwin Williams "tansy green" SW6424</b></a><b>.</b> It is a bright beautiful grass green and makes a perfect frame for viewing the lake.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X0bLftEIFe4/T_4kIrYmphI/AAAAAAAAAO4/FV8Ex_uEjMI/s1600/sunroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X0bLftEIFe4/T_4kIrYmphI/AAAAAAAAAO4/FV8Ex_uEjMI/s400/sunroom.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />It really has become one of my favorite colors. <br /><br />I have been very, very busy the last 2 months, we are working on completing our 1200 square foot lower level.<br /><br />I am&nbsp; so excited. my goal is to use all re-purposed furniture except two pieces of furniture that I have bought new...a love seat&nbsp; for the family room and the 3 sets of bunkbeds for the Grand-girls room.<br /><br />(That will be another blog soon!)<br /><br /><br />I have been on a mission to find the perfect pieces to put together. <br /><br />The first item I found was two very pretty rocking swivel chairs on Craig's List. I wanted swivel chairs so they could turn to watch TV, or visit with another guest or turn completely around to view the lake. (That idea came to me about 2:00 AM one night when I was thinking about the layout of the room!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XrnHacrbCY/T_4kOVSAh2I/AAAAAAAAAPA/AaM7PzbufbA/s1600/swivelchairs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XrnHacrbCY/T_4kOVSAh2I/AAAAAAAAAPA/AaM7PzbufbA/s400/swivelchairs.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />In my <b><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/" target="_blank">Martha Stewart Living Magazine</a></b>&nbsp; I found a leather topped table idea. I fell in love with it the minute I saw it. and I have kept it in my<b><a href="http://sewfundesign.blogspot.com/2012/03/lunch-with-candice-olson-hgtv.html" target="_blank"> "Idea Binder" </a>.</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_4rYsWfzs4/T_4n82C3w1I/AAAAAAAAAPM/78Pm1nr_2sM/s1600/DSCN0707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_4rYsWfzs4/T_4n82C3w1I/AAAAAAAAAPM/78Pm1nr_2sM/s400/DSCN0707.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CGvjeaNuxOQ/T_4oDWCYBCI/AAAAAAAAAPU/fEA1wqQytcY/s1600/DSCN0708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CGvjeaNuxOQ/T_4oDWCYBCI/AAAAAAAAAPU/fEA1wqQytcY/s400/DSCN0708.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />My first challenge was to find the perfect table.&nbsp; I found this one on Craig's List for $20.00.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbmBmnjR--I/T_4j-6N0npI/AAAAAAAAAOk/H-DK7G-vhrs/s1600/oaktableorginal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbmBmnjR--I/T_4j-6N0npI/AAAAAAAAAOk/H-DK7G-vhrs/s320/oaktableorginal.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />The size (12x20) was perfect, but I did not like the country dip on the side:)<br /><br />I brought the table to a new friend of mine that does AMAZING ...really AMAZING things to create beautiful pieces of re-purposed furniture. ( I have Michelle working on a few other piece for my lower level project I can't wait to share them with you). I found her on Craig's list, when she posted a re-imagined&nbsp; beautiful <b><a href="http://reimaginedjustforyou.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/p1090572.jpg" target="_blank">Hooker Cabinet.</a></b> <br /><br />You can find her at<a href="http://www.reimaginedjustforyou.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"> <b>Re-Imagined Just For You</b></a><br /><br />She painted the table a shade of grey with&nbsp;<b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5535558939802320431" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.anniesloan.com/acatalog/paints.html" target="_blank">Annie Sloan Paint</a></b> that is a perfect compliment to the leather and the accent chairs.&nbsp; I also had them cut the "old" country curves off each side of the table to give it a modern look<br /><br />My next big challenge was to find the perfect (green) leather. I went to the most incredible leather store in Grand Rapids called<a href="http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/home.aspx" target="_blank"><b> Tandy Leather&nbsp;</b> </a>I&nbsp; found the perfect tansy leather green cow to put on the top of my table. The only problem was I had to buy the WHOLE&nbsp; Italian green leather cow!! All 30 square feet!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fYJgKMSoEQc/T_4qyeA9mII/AAAAAAAAAPk/FMScGmnMsCs/s1600/leather.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fYJgKMSoEQc/T_4qyeA9mII/AAAAAAAAAPk/FMScGmnMsCs/s400/leather.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>My husband was not too happy with my New Large Green Cow- but I was elated that I found the perfect piece of leather.<br /><br />Here is my finished project!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yukDcsXsvW8/T_4q3rzdpEI/AAAAAAAAAPs/nj2pMCvTmDQ/s1600/greentable1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yukDcsXsvW8/T_4q3rzdpEI/AAAAAAAAAPs/nj2pMCvTmDQ/s640/greentable1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWrvYRsDvEk/T_4rA3TdIwI/AAAAAAAAAP8/Z2vupKzMRW4/s1600/greentable2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWrvYRsDvEk/T_4rA3TdIwI/AAAAAAAAAP8/Z2vupKzMRW4/s640/greentable2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Love it!!! Love it!! Love it!!!</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>I can't wait to share the rests of my projects with you.</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>Finishing, 1200 square feet with all re-purposed furniture is a lot of fun!</b><br /><br /><br />Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-55860767866402802202012-05-15T19:46:00.000-07:002012-05-15T19:53:27.952-07:00Ten Must Do Things On A Cruise ShipI am getting very excited to go on the cruise we have booked for January 2013, on the new <a href="http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/ships/carnival_breeze/default.aspx?shipCode=BR" target="_blank">Carnival Breeze</a>.&nbsp; I have cruised more than a dozen times on all the major cruise lines.<br /><br /><a href="http://sewfundesign.blogspot.com/2012/03/8-must-know-travel-tips.html" target="_blank">Here are some of my best travel tips. </a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yXkINCi5-Ng/T7MMut5yRgI/AAAAAAAAANE/GTa-gtJC21k/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yXkINCi5-Ng/T7MMut5yRgI/AAAAAAAAANE/GTa-gtJC21k/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Here are ten wonderful things you can enjoy on your next cruise vacation.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_RrkE9uiRc/T7MNfSUwnEI/AAAAAAAAAN0/iZQ1A_uBaA8/s1600/208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_RrkE9uiRc/T7MNfSUwnEI/AAAAAAAAAN0/iZQ1A_uBaA8/s400/208.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />1. Walking the decks at night. It is one of the most relaxing things to do on a cruise ship. The night sky, the moon. the water and most cruise lines have music playing on the upper decks~so romantic!<br /><br />2. If you can afford it, get a balcony.&nbsp; It's so beautiful to sit out on your balcony at night.&nbsp;&nbsp; A balcony is a great place to share a breakfast for two.<br /><br />3. Order room service. 24 hour room service is included with your cruise, take advantage of it.<br /><br />4. Each night when you return to your room the cruise line&nbsp; delivers a "newspaper"&nbsp; of activities for the next day. This is so much fun to read and plan.<br /><br />5. The atrium of the ship. This is one of the most beautiful parts of the ship. We love to "stroll" through the shops before dinner.<br /><br />6. The "sail away" party on deck as you leave each port. Waking up in a new port every morning.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTox6exjkx8/T7MNF6pfMYI/AAAAAAAAANc/TRpQ377woQc/s1600/114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTox6exjkx8/T7MNF6pfMYI/AAAAAAAAANc/TRpQ377woQc/s400/114.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />7. Staying on the ship when everyone goes into the port. We enjoy the ship not being so crowded.&nbsp; No line for the water slide:)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Usl5aD269Ho/T7MNP6BwetI/AAAAAAAAANk/cm1UM8-D2yE/s1600/cruise3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Usl5aD269Ho/T7MNP6BwetI/AAAAAAAAANk/cm1UM8-D2yE/s400/cruise3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />8. Book a cruise that has their own "private island". This is a great beach day. The cruise line provides all the fun and activities on the island. We go over first thing in the morning and stay all day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QNl0zdVoxQA/T7MM-sAmrjI/AAAAAAAAANU/sg4HV3DrhBk/s1600/107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QNl0zdVoxQA/T7MM-sAmrjI/AAAAAAAAANU/sg4HV3DrhBk/s400/107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />9. The Vegas style shows that are "free" (included with your cruise fare). The opening night comedian, so funny!<br /><br />10. Taking a nap on the deck. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_bnZep3lgcg/T7MMyvSB9HI/AAAAAAAAANM/05MQkGU6f0U/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_bnZep3lgcg/T7MMyvSB9HI/AAAAAAAAANM/05MQkGU6f0U/s400/014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />&nbsp; <br />Let me know if you have any questions about cruising. I love to share what I knowSew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-35718594238545726002012-05-09T17:57:00.001-07:002012-05-09T19:03:32.668-07:00Top Ten Things I Could Write AboutMy daughter, <a href="http://www.ourgoodwinjourney.com/" target="_blank">Jenilee</a> thought I should write a blog...... I was not convinced I had anything worth sharing. <br /><br />I think a lot of people think the same thing. Hopefully, this will help you come up with your own list of possibilities.<br /><br />Here is my list. <br /><br />1.Ideas on&nbsp; raising productive children. I am so proud of my 3 daughters, they are incredible. They are wonderful mom's and do a great job taking care of their families.&nbsp; I see the results, I must have done a lot of things right!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8d2jUf_oOI/T6sBp4T622I/AAAAAAAAAMg/O3nkJAamFIQ/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8d2jUf_oOI/T6sBp4T622I/AAAAAAAAAMg/O3nkJAamFIQ/s400/family.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />2. What it takes to have a great marriage- certainly after 33 + years I have learned something:)&nbsp; My husband is one of the greatest blessing in my life.<br /><br />3. Travel- I love to travel and share the <a href="http://sewfundesign.blogspot.com/search/label/Cruise.Vacation%20Tips" target="_blank">travel tips</a> I have learned.<br /><br />4. Family fun time.&nbsp; Living on a lake in Michigan makes that easy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vf5ApoOcXHQ/T6sFL1UVFpI/AAAAAAAAAMw/TUEgJvEYdZo/s1600/IMG_4999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vf5ApoOcXHQ/T6sFL1UVFpI/AAAAAAAAAMw/TUEgJvEYdZo/s400/IMG_4999.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mR2lb8QpopU/T6sFj2PsT1I/AAAAAAAAAM4/o0rdvXT3BsA/s1600/IMG_4824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mR2lb8QpopU/T6sFj2PsT1I/AAAAAAAAAM4/o0rdvXT3BsA/s400/IMG_4824.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />5. Cooking-&nbsp; I have many <a href="http://sewfundesign.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-to-pack-5-days-of-healthy-food-in-1.html" target="_blank">time saving</a> ideas for creating healthy meals. I think that cooking from scratch has become a lost art - we eat very little processed foods.<br /><br />6. Sewing- this is the MAIN reason for my blog:)<br /><br />7. Weight loss, getting fit &amp; <a href="http://sewfundesign.blogspot.com/2012/04/dietdelicious-sweetsour-cabbage-stew.html" target="_blank">healthy eating</a>.&nbsp; I started strength training at 52?- I really should write about how this has changed my life.<br /><br />8. Spiritual life-&nbsp; My faith in God's protection and direction. God has done some wonderful things that I could write about.<br /><br />9. Being a grand mother. I love this part of my life. <br /><br />10.&nbsp; _______________________________ any ideas ?Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-66319323503675054442012-04-22T12:37:00.001-07:002012-04-22T12:46:18.955-07:00MacGyver is alive and well!The time has come to write about my husband, Ben. We lovingly call him MacGyver. <br /><br />Hopefully, you remember the TV show,&nbsp; MacGyver, (1985-92)<br /><br />&nbsp;Wikipedia says that...........<br /><br /><b><span style="color: red;">"MacGyver is a resourceful agent with an encyclopedic knowledge of science, able to solve complex problems with everyday materials he finds at hand, along with his ever-present duct tape and his Swiss Army Knife." </span></b><br /><br />We are in the process of completing the basement of our condo. We needed to buy a shower stall. I found one on Craig's List. The guy we bought it from could not get the unit into his basement.<br /><br />&nbsp;(That should have been our first clue.)<br /><br />I never worry about the details, I am married to "MacGyver"and no challenge is too big for him!<br /><br />We drove about 1 hour north with my husband's Chevy S10 pick-up. The shower stall would not fit IN the truck, but after thinking and measuring, Ben came up with a solution.<br /><br />(I did bring a book to read, sometimes my MacGyver takes longer then the real MacGyver to come up with a solution.) <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4xJsom_ZjNo/T5RSIRMG_yI/AAAAAAAAAME/Q6CbsW39S7I/s1600/DSCN0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4xJsom_ZjNo/T5RSIRMG_yI/AAAAAAAAAME/Q6CbsW39S7I/s640/DSCN0612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />It took us 2 1/2 hours to make it home in the dark.&nbsp; (Thank goodness!! we arrived under the cover of darkness.)<br /><br />A few weeks ago, MacGyver, was watching our granddaughter, Sloan. Grandpa wanted to get some work done in the garage and Sloan loves being outside.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9WcsVFsDmw/T5RSQMuNzcI/AAAAAAAAAMM/bhngRxCnRm4/s1600/DSCN0416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9WcsVFsDmw/T5RSQMuNzcI/AAAAAAAAAMM/bhngRxCnRm4/s640/DSCN0416.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Grandpa needed to come up with a solution.&nbsp; First he took careful measurement of the distant to the road.&nbsp; He placed the trash can and walker at just the right angle.&nbsp; He tied a long rope from the trash can to Sloan's walker. <br /><br />She had the run of the driveway and sidewalk and&nbsp; was never in danger of road traffic.&nbsp; <br /><br />When I came home she was happy as can be!<br />&nbsp; <br />His most famous accomplishment is the time Ben's semi-truck broke down in Lancaster PA.&nbsp; He used his limited but creative mechanical skills to get his truck running again.<br /><br />He first determined an airline hose had broken.&nbsp; It was the middle of the night which means a service call would be expensive and a very long wait.<br /><br />A state trouper stop to see if Ben needed any help. Ben told him he needed a small hose for his truck. The only store open was the local Walmart.&nbsp; The state trouper took Ben to Walmart. He told Ben he wanted to see what "MacGyver" was going to do.&nbsp; Ben walked around the store looking for the perfect solution.&nbsp; He bought a lamp repair kit and two hose clamps.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ6zUiXoLys/T5RVrp7quxI/AAAAAAAAAMU/NiEnXyTMyR4/s1600/lampkit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ6zUiXoLys/T5RVrp7quxI/AAAAAAAAAMU/NiEnXyTMyR4/s400/lampkit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>&nbsp;Ben used the threaded rod and the two hose clamps to fix the airline hose.&nbsp; This $10.00 fix got him all the way back to Michigan.&nbsp; (I think his company returned the lamp kit and got their money back:)<br /><br />I am sure that police man is still talking about the resourceful MacGyver driver!<br /><br />Love that guy! <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_Army_knife" title="Swiss Army knife"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></a>Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-73888788286074551942012-04-17T17:39:00.001-07:002012-04-17T18:15:23.075-07:00Diet/Delicious-- Sweet/Sour Cabbage StewI have been dieting and working out with weights for a couple of years now. I am proud to say I have been successful at getting smaller (my trainer says "leaner").<br /><br />&nbsp;Call it whatever you want, my clothes are too big and I feel wonderful!<br /><br />In the process I have found out I am allergic to wheat. If I eat wheat my face and sinuses swell. It is very painful but a great motivation to say no to wheat and yummy baked goods:)<br /><br />Since I am mainly eating, fruits, vegetables and lean protein I am getting creative.<br /><br />I am a big fan of cabbage rolls. If you have ever made them they take<b><i> a lot of work.</i></b>&nbsp; I think it is the tangy sweet and sour tomato flavor that I enjoy. <br /><br />So being the time saver cook that I am I came up with a quick solution.<br /><br />My version of cabbage roll stew. <br /><br />&nbsp;<u>Put the following ingredients in a stock pot </u><br /><br /><br />1 Cup of Water<br />4 Cups of chopped fresh Brussels Sprouts or 4 cups chopped fresh Cabbage<br />2 cans of <a href="http://www.delmonte.com/" target="_blank">Del Monte Organic Dice Tomatoes</a> or your favorite brand of diced tomatoes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1RFytC3yXc/T44FQokYAUI/AAAAAAAAAL8/U-ZOXT2ZuFA/s1600/dicedtomatoes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1RFytC3yXc/T44FQokYAUI/AAAAAAAAAL8/U-ZOXT2ZuFA/s320/dicedtomatoes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;A little salt and pepper<br />3 Tablespoons of sugar- or a little more but<b> taste it first </b><br />2 Tablespoons of white vinegar-or a little more but <b>taste it first</b><br /><br />Put everything pan at the same time and cook on medium to low for about 20 minutes (or until the Brussels Sprouts or Cabbage is tender)<br /><br />Then I add 1 1/2 cups of my precooked hamburger. (Here is the<a href="http://sewfundesign.blogspot.com/2012/03/busy-momsmsuper-fast-super-easy-ground.html" target="_blank"> blog</a> that will explain where the cooked beef comes from.) If you are a vegetarian it is good without the meat.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wGWGdfzfZEQ/T44FLXTggYI/AAAAAAAAAL0/leZABceBEe8/s1600/bags.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wGWGdfzfZEQ/T44FLXTggYI/AAAAAAAAAL0/leZABceBEe8/s320/bags.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You can also add 1/2 to 1 cup of cooked rice. I prefer brown, way better for you:)<br /><br />&nbsp;I love this recipe- it is really easy, taste great and is very, very low calorie. It last in the fridge for several days ( you can freeze it also). It taste better after a day or two when the flavors all mix!<br /><br /><b>It taste &amp; looks like chopped up cabbage roll!! </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cMYbGeTfA-E/T44FFm_oy6I/AAAAAAAAALs/Guw2PbkCKuE/s1600/cabbagesoup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cMYbGeTfA-E/T44FFm_oy6I/AAAAAAAAALs/Guw2PbkCKuE/s320/cabbagesoup.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Enjoy!Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-64178607337297386172012-04-11T16:16:00.002-07:002012-04-11T16:17:43.451-07:00Old Fashion Phone Etiquette, Is it lost art?<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I am sorry this is a really long blog. If you use a phone in your business (who doesn't?)&nbsp;</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I hope these tips help your business grow.&nbsp;</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MedQ8e4rVig/T4YPnLOPEkI/AAAAAAAAALk/mvZeqKtF5PQ/s1600/lucyonthe+phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MedQ8e4rVig/T4YPnLOPEkI/AAAAAAAAALk/mvZeqKtF5PQ/s320/lucyonthe+phone.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">The word etiquette is a French word meaning ticket.&nbsp; The rules of the court were written on tickets and given to the lords and ladies in the court to observe and obey. </div><div class="MsoNormal">A recent study indicates that 91% of dissatisfied customers/clients never complain about personal discourtesies, they simply take their business elsewhere.&nbsp; Companies now recognize the need to sharpen business etiquette skills as an element of professional development. </div><div class="MsoNormal">The use of telephone manners has never been taught in our schools, despite the fact that using the telephone to communicate is one of the most crucial skills needed to succeed in business.&nbsp;&nbsp; The telephone is also the first significant contact many people have with a business. It can be a very important image builder and a powerful medium for establishing a good relationship and trust. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Companies today, spend a large amount of their resources on staffing, advertising and marketing to bring the clients to them. Training on how to receive and retain the customers is vital to the growth of your business. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BEWARE THAT THE TELEPHONE IS A HIGHLY PERSONAL MEDIUM FOR COMMUNICATIONS.&nbsp;</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Intrusion</b>- always be sensitive that people resent even a brief loss of control over their lives</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Language</b>- keep your language simple, there is no immediate way to tell if the listener understands what you are trying to communicate</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Voice Power</b>-the voice is a great reflector of the inner feelings that we can communicate, regardless of the distance</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Excessive Intimacy</b>-when you invade someone else’s ear- at least do so with good manners.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Speed</b>- the ease of use and speed of connection can lead to hasty discussions-with misunderstandings likely to result. Slow down and think before you speak. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Energy</b>- extra energy and effort are required to make a conversation successful. If you are not up to making an important call, perhaps it may be better to wait until you feel more confident and refreshed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Body Language</b>- Be mindful, as there is no body language-- your voice says it all.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Answering the Phone</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">-Try to answer by the 3<sup>rd</sup> or 4<sup>th</sup> ring (2<sup>nd</sup> is better)</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Always identify yourself “Good Morning, this is___________ at ___________ how may we help you?”</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Smile- this makes your voice more bright and pleasant</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Speak slowly and distinctly- do not use slang</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Do not chew gum or eat during a conversation</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Inflections in your voice help you to sound capable and interesting, do not talk in monotones</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Transferring a Phone Call </b></div><div class="MsoNormal">-Let the caller know they are being transferred and if voice mail is available to them. If they do not like voice mail, take a personal message. </div><div class="MsoNormal">-Take ownership of the message; see that it gets to the right person.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Placing Call on Hold</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">-Always ask permission to put a call on hold. “Can you hold please?”- <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Then wait for their answer.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal">-Always thank the person for holding when you pick up the call again. </div><div class="MsoNormal">-Always use the “on hold” button do not just lay the phone down. </div><div class="MsoNormal">-If they have been on hold a long time, pick up the call and say “I am still checking for you, would you like to continue to hold or have me take a message?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Screening Calls</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes it is necessary to screen calls in order to work more efficiently. Do so politely and briefly. Do not make callers feel they are being screened. Have a plan of how you are going to handle the callers in a positive manner.</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Do not say “Who’s calling?” or worse yet “Who’s this?”</div><div class="MsoNormal">-You could say something like “May I tell_______ who is calling?”</div><div class="MsoNormal">-If your employer is only available to certain individuals or is only taking urgent request.&nbsp; If they want to take the call, you can say something like“________ just became available, I will transfer you now.”</div><div class="MsoNormal">-If they are not available, take a message or offer voice mail.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How to Handle Unavailability</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is one of the most important areas of phone etiquette.</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Always offer a positive explanation of why someone is unavailable. Here are some possible options</div><div class="MsoNormal">“He is in a meeting right now”</div><div class="MsoNormal">“She is on another line”</div><div class="MsoNormal">“She is working off site right now”</div><div class="MsoNormal">Never give out personal information, like they are on vacation or sick.&nbsp; Here are some wrong ways to explain why someone is not available. </div><div class="MsoNormal">“He has not shown up yet”- I used to call a business that said that all the time- not good!</div><div class="MsoNormal">“They are not taking calls “</div><div class="MsoNormal">“They have another day off”</div><div class="MsoNormal">We never want our clients to think we are not available. The person they are looking for maybe out of the office but they are available by voice or e-mail, a personal message or another qualified employee can fill in.&nbsp; The goal should be to meet the needs of the client even if the person they are asking for is unavailable at that time.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Most callers do not need to know your employer or fellow employee is on a day off or vacation. They only need to know their call is important and will be handled or returned as soon as possible.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Taking Messages</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Telephone messages in any business must be taken carefully and delivered promptly.</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Be polite and professional</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Record all facts correctly</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Make sure the message is delivered to the correct person</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Name and phone number, reason, company time &amp; date and a brief reason for the call should be included.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Proper message taking shows concern for your customers</i>. Most calls should be returned within 24 hours. One of the biggest complaints in business today is that calls are not returned.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal">-Follow up when necessary to make sure the client was taken care of.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Handling Rude, Aggressive Customers or Complaints</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">-Stay calm, be diplomatic and polite</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Be loyal to your employer or fellow worker </div><div class="MsoNormal">-Show a willingness to resolve the problem</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Remember your customer needs your help and you need your customers</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Try not to use the words, no or never, leave the door open for a resolution</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Take ownership and see it through to resolution</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Know your companies policies in handling issues</div><div class="MsoNormal">Resolving conflict can be the beginning of a long term relationship.&nbsp; A conflict handled correctly builds trust.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Voice Mail Messages</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are leaving a voice mail message please included the following</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Name and company</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Keep the message simple</div><div class="MsoNormal">-State the time and date</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Repeat your name and the phone number 2 times in the message</div><div class="MsoNormal">-End with a positive statement- “Have a great day”, or “I look forward to talking to you soon.”&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Speaker Phone </b></div><div class="MsoNormal">A lot of people do not like speaker phones. It is best to let the person know you are using a speaker phone. &nbsp;If you are calling somewhere with a client, you should always identify yourself and let them know the client is listening. </div><div class="MsoNormal">“ ________ I am sitting here with Mr. &amp; Mrs. _____________ can you please look up their account?”</div><div class="MsoNormal">This will alert the person that you are on speaker phone and the client can hear the conversation. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Conclusion</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">The use of the telephone, voice mail and our conversation can be a powerful tool.&nbsp; Attitude and the desire to improve your skills will determine your level of success. We <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">do</i> have control over how we communicate. Learning these skills will benefit us in our relationship with all of the people we come in contact with every day.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It has been my experience that if we practice the etiquette of proper communication our work atmosphere improves.&nbsp; Communication is fundamental to seeing a job well done. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Loyalty is a gem that can enhance the work place. Practicing these skills can become a very positive influence in your life. </div>Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-54547916166006992402012-04-04T20:24:00.000-07:002012-04-04T20:42:56.901-07:00Have you been to the phone store lately?I stopped at the local mobile phone store tonight and bought a new phone. I should clarify it is a new phone but not one of the greatest and latest (4G) phone.<br /><br />I have a <i>really </i>cheap rate plan and cannot go to the newest &amp; coolest with shelling out a lot more money each month.&nbsp; Probably some day I will but not until I have no other option.<br /><br /><br />I need to give you a bit of history.&nbsp; I worked in the mobile phone industry from 1995-2000. It was a crazy job. Being in the middle of the growth of a new industry was really exciting.<br /><br />The phone service (coverage) was terrible and they where EXPENSIVE to buy and use.(No free&nbsp; phones back then) Most families only had <b>one</b> phone to share. Then we added one for mother, then one for the kids who left for college....now little kids have them.<br />&nbsp;I bought a "real" phone for my&nbsp; granddaughter's 4th birthday a few years ago-it was she asked Grandma for:) When I asked her why she wanted a phone, she said to call her "friends". I had a lot of fun calling her on her own cell phone.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91xyJ22x3Lo/T30HUhm5OVI/AAAAAAAAALI/MAdANbCAqZ8/s1600/motorola_bag_phone-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91xyJ22x3Lo/T30HUhm5OVI/AAAAAAAAALI/MAdANbCAqZ8/s400/motorola_bag_phone-lg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In 1995 most people bought a "bag phone". It was a&nbsp; phone in a bag, it plugged into your cigarette lighter.&nbsp; Hard to believe people where excited about getting a phone like that:) <br /><br />Or a "brick phone"&nbsp; below. This is the first "handheld" phone. Brick describes it perfectly!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHhLPTlIMF4/T30HZeq9lOI/AAAAAAAAALY/z_v0nYYS8nQ/s1600/brickphone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHhLPTlIMF4/T30HZeq9lOI/AAAAAAAAALY/z_v0nYYS8nQ/s320/brickphone.jpg" width="129" /></a></div><br />Then they came out with the "flip phone" (The black thing beside it, is the charger.). We could not keep them in stock--&nbsp; light grey, dark grey or black where the color options back then!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bsP0_8VQEC4/T30HXT9Fp6I/AAAAAAAAALQ/o4mjsoPODp4/s1600/550charger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bsP0_8VQEC4/T30HXT9Fp6I/AAAAAAAAALQ/o4mjsoPODp4/s1600/550charger.JPG" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;My daughter's claim to fame is they where one of the first "people" to have cell phones in their high school. The teachers did not even have phones. My girls did since I worked at the local phone store.<br /><br />The rate plan they had cost $24.95 per month. <br />&nbsp;It included 20 day time minutes, 20 night time minutes...and $1.00 a minute if they went over the 40 minutes <i><b>per month.&nbsp;</b></i><br /><i><b>(If you take the 40 minutes and divide by 30 days = 1.3 minutes of talk time per day)</b></i> <br /><br />No text messaging- (not even heard of yet)<br />No free nights<br />No free weekend<br />No free long distance <br />No free mobile to mobile<br /><br />(Take a look at your teenager's bill- how many text messages per day are they doing? How many minutes are they using per month?)<br /><br />It is a amazing how far the technology has come &amp; how much we depend on our "mobile" phones. <br /><br />I just had to write about it! ~~~Amazing trip to the phone store, I see the new technology, it is crazy what is available. <br /><br />Do you remember getting your first mobile phone?<br /><br /><br />Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-45374375645055530132012-03-30T12:48:00.001-07:002012-03-30T17:32:57.075-07:00How Many Sewing Machines Do You Own?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--7TO9FWihjM/T3XyblMf_CI/AAAAAAAAAKo/cKxfQJrLhfY/s1600/DSCN0601.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I was a little girl, maybe 6 or 7 years old, I was at an auction with my mother&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">where she bought a little black and gold sewing machine.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>It was a Singer 221 Featherweight machine.</b></span> That was the vintage machine I learn to sew on.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have wonderful memories of sewing with my mom and using that machine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--7TO9FWihjM/T3XyblMf_CI/AAAAAAAAAKo/cKxfQJrLhfY/s1600/DSCN0601.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--7TO9FWihjM/T3XyblMf_CI/AAAAAAAAAKo/cKxfQJrLhfY/s400/DSCN0601.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">About 25 years ago I walked into an estate sale. Back in the corner was a little black case.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;I knew<b> immediately </b>it was a Singer Featherweight machine like my mom had bought when I was a little girl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>I also, knew I was NOT leaving without that machine.&nbsp;</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Note: I have a certificate from Singer that dates my machine. It was issued in 1953, that makes it a few years older then me:) </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I bought it for $70.00, which was a steal. I was so excited, I don't think <i><b>anyone understood how much that meant to me</b></i> to have my own Singer Featherweight just like my mom's.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;I had 3 little girls back then, so I was so excited to be able to use that machine with my girls just&nbsp; like I did with my mom.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;My daughter's &amp; now my granddaughter's have all sewn on my little machine.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It runs slow and steady which makes it a great machines to learn on. </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The other day, I was in <a href="http://www.familysewing.com/" target="_blank">Family Sewing in Grandville MI </a>taking a serger class. (They do a great job at classes)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>&nbsp;I saw the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.singerco.com/products/2228/the-singer-160" target="_blank"> Singer</a></b></span><a href="http://www.singerco.com/products/2228/the-singer-160" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.singerco.com/products/2228/the-singer-160" target="_blank"> 160 Year</a></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.singerco.com/products/2228/the-singer-160" target="_blank"> Anniversary Machine</a>.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>How fun, it looks so much like my 1953 Singer Featherweight. SO COOL! I had to stop and take a good look at it. What a great idea Singer had to make it look so vintage! I am sure there are many warm memories this vintage looking machine brings to people. The vintage look is so touching!&nbsp;</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>&nbsp;Singer had a contest last year for this very machine. I told my story and read many wonderful accounts of people and their experiences with Singer machine's.</b></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ms3iTl-rtOA/T3XzhXMxlUI/AAAAAAAAAKw/Se51O_CRP78/s1600/singer160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ms3iTl-rtOA/T3XzhXMxlUI/AAAAAAAAAKw/Se51O_CRP78/s400/singer160.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>This is my current&nbsp; sewing machine........a state of the art back in 1988 when I bought my Viking Machine.&nbsp;</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Almost as vintage as my little 1950's black Singer:)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It still works very well but I hope to update it soon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kklG06Pz9Y/T3X7nzzNIJI/AAAAAAAAAK4/J4nwDMsNNQg/s1600/DSCN0599_edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kklG06Pz9Y/T3X7nzzNIJI/AAAAAAAAAK4/J4nwDMsNNQg/s400/DSCN0599_edited.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Don't feel too bad for me &amp; my vintage sewing machines....since I just bought a wonderful Serger!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(In-fact, my mom last December was laughing at me that I was still just using a sewing machine and had not bought a Serger)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>So....I bought a <a href="http://www.babylock.com/sergers/" target="_blank">Baby Lock </a>Evolution. Incredible! Awesome!&nbsp;</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why did I wait so long!~~ you get the idea!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What an interesting adventure this new machine has been. The challenge of knowing when and how to use a Serger vs a regular sewing machine.--But that's another blog:)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;There is so much truth in the saying of&nbsp; how difficult it is to teaching an old dog new tricks,&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">especially when the old dog is me teaching me!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love doing the rolled hem and the cover stitch! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EUNBAFaJ-84/T3XvpZZbpaI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/dSNr59lGWqs/s1600/DSCN0598_edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EUNBAFaJ-84/T3XvpZZbpaI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/dSNr59lGWqs/s320/DSCN0598_edited.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;I LOVE my new Serger! <br /><br />I am sure one day my lovely new Baby Lock Serger will be added to the list of my favorite vintage machines:)<br /><br />Sew Much Fun!Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-50976468201565173502012-03-21T12:14:00.002-07:002012-03-21T19:04:55.129-07:00Flower Girl Dresses On A Budget?Three years ago when my youngest daughter got married, she decided to have 6......yes&nbsp; I said 6 flower girls.<br /><br />Holly had 4 nieces and Justin had 2.&nbsp; It was the fun thing to do.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AVj43bdPFQ0/T2obhHjqJ2I/AAAAAAAAAJA/Vb4PdQ_Vmkc/s1600/DSCN0045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AVj43bdPFQ0/T2obhHjqJ2I/AAAAAAAAAJA/Vb4PdQ_Vmkc/s640/DSCN0045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;Trying to stay within a budget can be difficult when planning a wedding. ( I know, 10 years ago my two other daughter's had their weddings 5 months apart!) <br /><br />After looking for flower girl dresses at the local bridal shops, and seeing how much they cost, we decided to go to a major retailer who had&nbsp; a good selection of special occasion dresses.<br /><br />We found the perfect little dress for the girls, except they where all white.&nbsp; We felt the dresses could use a more custom look and we wanted to match the yellow of the bridal party.<br /><br />These dresses ended up costing under $50.00 each. (The bridal store's selections are at least triple that amount. or more)<br /><br />(I just checked this same dress available for $30.00 at<a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&amp;ItemID=1e142de&amp;submit%20search.y=10&amp;Ntt=american+princess+sequin+dress&amp;SearchString=american+princess+sequin+dress&amp;Ne=4+840+877+878+5+961+6+29+3+579+963+1014+1031+8+587+15+12+1011+598+11+506+10+23+585+969+596+1022+586+1007+879+968+1027+18+904+903+833+1545&amp;hdnOnGo=true&amp;NOffset=0&amp;submit%20search.x=10&amp;Nao=0&amp;N=4294959029&amp;SO=0&amp;PSO=0&amp;CmCatId=searchresults" target="_blank"> JC Penney</a>)<br /><br /><br />Victoria, (Holly's maid of honor) came up with the idea of opening the lace on the sides of the dress and adding yellow ribbon in the waistband.. What a GREAT idea!<br /><br />I&nbsp; carefully cut the lace open on each side of the dress. I put<a href="http://www.joann.com/dritz-fray-check-3-4-oz-/prd2992/" target="_blank"> Dritz Frey Check</a> on the edge of the lace to keep it from fraying.&nbsp; After it was completely dry I put the ribbon through the front of the dress and made a nice bow in the back~~~it was DARLING X 6!!!<br /><br />(NOTE:&nbsp; Always make sure you let the Frey Check completely dry before you move to the next step in your project).<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dufBeFMVzvY/T2ou0-oeBtI/AAAAAAAAAKA/VKMdEZoHd3c/s1600/DSCN0050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dufBeFMVzvY/T2ou0-oeBtI/AAAAAAAAAKA/VKMdEZoHd3c/s640/DSCN0050.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We had one more challenge. The dress did not come small enough for Abby. (She is the little one looking up at Holly in the picture ) To fixed that problem we bought the smallest size available and made it smaller to fit Abby.<br /><br />(We took a 6X down to a 4T). This could cost about $35.00 to $50.00 for a seamstress to do if you are unable sew). <br /><br /><br />I think they look beautiful!&nbsp; The yellow ribbon gave them a custom look. <br /><br />I love this picture of them laying in their fancy dresses coloring<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ourgoodwinjourney.com/" target="_blank">Jenilee&nbsp;&nbsp; </a>(Holly's sister) is a smart mommy and brought coloring books and things to keep them busy!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDX1NbfoXyc/T2oaV8SFpQI/AAAAAAAAAIo/nfZ0WoP6aXA/s1600/DSCN0054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDX1NbfoXyc/T2oaV8SFpQI/AAAAAAAAAIo/nfZ0WoP6aXA/s640/DSCN0054.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Waiting for get the show on the road!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IYgC99o5v5w/T2otyd-Vc2I/AAAAAAAAAJY/ENl7FQKnIHg/s1600/DSCN0058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IYgC99o5v5w/T2otyd-Vc2I/AAAAAAAAAJY/ENl7FQKnIHg/s640/DSCN0058.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>3 years later Holly has her own little flower girl, Sloan and Myla coming in May:)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pQkr3zhF1Ug/T2pa-E1DjYI/AAAAAAAAAKI/hpD2iOufNkU/s1600/holly+&amp;+sloan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pQkr3zhF1Ug/T2pa-E1DjYI/AAAAAAAAAKI/hpD2iOufNkU/s400/holly+&amp;+sloan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>(Here's the math.... 4 at the wedding + 1 since the wedding&nbsp; + another 1 on the way = 6 granddaughters for us:)<br /><br />Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-74520464057824851962012-03-18T19:41:00.002-07:002012-03-18T19:51:27.492-07:00Busy Mom's Super Fast, Super Easy, Ground Beef MealsBeside, travel &amp; sewing I love to cook.<br /><br />I was a stay home Mom until my youngest started 3rd grade. I know first hand how difficult it is to work, take care of a family and keep all the activities going.<br /><br />This idea is not only a great time saver but helps you provide, healthy home cooked meals in minutes. Or have dinner ready by using the ground beef for your favorite crock pot recipe. <br /><br />This is a really simple idea but I have only met one person who does the same thing that I have been doing for years. It was a cashier at a grocery store, who buys the ground beef on sale and pre-cooks it for her daughter. (My girls have to cook their own:)<br /><br />Start with 3 or 4 pounds of ground beef. (I sometimes use a combination of&nbsp; ground beef &amp; venison-this time I am using 2 beef &amp; 1-vension).<br /><br />To have less calories and save money, you can also mix ground turkey or chicken with the beef.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RodyzMHDGjU/T2aZKpjZaMI/AAAAAAAAAIg/cby9vyK0q7k/s1600/frozenmeat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RodyzMHDGjU/T2aZKpjZaMI/AAAAAAAAAIg/cby9vyK0q7k/s400/frozenmeat.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Take the beef, frozen or fresh and put it in a pan, cover with water. You can do it on the stove top or in the oven the same way you cook a roast.&nbsp; Let the meat cook until completely done.<br />Stir, to keep from sticking and to break up the meat. I use a hand chopper to chop the beef really fine after I drain it. <br /><br />DO NOT PUT ANY SEASONING IN THE MEAT. NOT EVEN SALT AND PEPPER..SINCE YOU ARE FREEZING THE MEAT, WHEN YOU TAKE IT OUT YOU WILL KNOW IT IS JUST COOKED MEAT. <br /><br />This is what it look like when it is almost done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JE1kp6ywufo/T2aZGpOiV7I/AAAAAAAAAIY/J3r3C9hEcLk/s1600/cooking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JE1kp6ywufo/T2aZGpOiV7I/AAAAAAAAAIY/J3r3C9hEcLk/s400/cooking.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Once it is completely cooked put it in a stainer and rinse with warm water to get as much grease out of the meat as you can.&nbsp; Let it completely cool and drain.<br /><br />Put the meat in quart size freezer bags. I put about 1 pound in each bag. Date and label the bags.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJyIkG9eDZY/T2aZCNMBWmI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/qLS9AGrbIdA/s1600/bags.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJyIkG9eDZY/T2aZCNMBWmI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/qLS9AGrbIdA/s400/bags.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Now here comes the fast and easy part.<br /><br />Spaghetti<br />Take 2 jars of your favorite sauce and 1 bag of frozen ground meat in a crock put on low for 8 hours or high for 4.<br />(My girls will tell you when they where growing up we had this once a week!)<br />Add noodles and a salad or vegetable and you are done. <br /><br />Chili<br />Use one bag of frozen meat with you favorite chili recipe. Use your crock pot. I like to serve the chili on spaghetti or baked potatoes.<br /><br />Sloppy Joe's<br /><br />Use on bag of meat, a can of sloppy Joe mix, I add a small can of baked beans and put on a open face hamburger bun. Add slice of cheese, then put in the over for a few minute to melt the cheese~~wonderful!<br /><br />Mexican- Anything- you can make Tacos, Burritos Nacho's. <br />Take the ground beef, add you favorite seasoning to make your favorite Mexican dishes. <br /><br />&nbsp;I would love to have you share your ideas or recipes that you could use pre-cooked ground beef in. <br /><br />Next time you see it on sale try this idea and see how much time it can save you and it is .......so easy! Plus you only have the pan and stainer dirty once for 5 or 6 meals.<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-77758340981591080142012-03-12T18:01:00.000-07:002012-03-13T12:08:48.039-07:0010 Must Know Travel Tips<br />I love to cruise (15 times and booked next year) and I love to travel to all-inclusive resorts.<br />&nbsp; <br />Here is a picture of the bulletin board in my home office.&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;(I will say it for you..... that mustache on my husband is horrible:)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pehhzi1eJNk/T16J7jT0fkI/AAAAAAAAAIE/9S8YCjEaK58/s1600/DSCN0564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pehhzi1eJNk/T16J7jT0fkI/AAAAAAAAAIE/9S8YCjEaK58/s640/DSCN0564.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I hope these tips help you with your next vacation.&nbsp; <br /><br />1. Make An Decision To Relax.<br />When you leave for the airport......make a a decision to relax. This may sound crazy but most people take 1/2 of their vacation to relax.&nbsp; Think about it...you planned well, your kids will be fine,your stuff is insured and everything will be there when you get back:) <br /><br />&nbsp;Take a deep breath, this is the week you have been waiting for. <br /><br /><br />2. Go With The Flow<br />&nbsp;A change of scenery is what vacations are all about.....have a flexible schedule.&nbsp; An opportunity may come along that is better then what you had planned. Be open to changes.<br /><br />3. Pack As Light As Possible<br />I would take about 1/2 of what you think you need. Lighter luggage is so much easier to manage. If you wear the same outfit twice you will be fine:)<br /><br />4. Take Only The Necessary Credit Cards<br />Unless you will be doing a home improvement project on your vacation you will not need your Lowe's credit card in the Caribbean or Mexico:)<br />We take two credit cards on vacation. We leave one in the safe in our room or cabin and take one with us on outings. Copy your two credit cards front and back and keep that in a safe place. ( I also make a copy of our id and keep that with it). If you lose your wallet&nbsp; or it is stolen it will not ruin your vacation. One phone call to your credit card company to cancel and you are back on vacation. It would be horrible to have all your cards lost that you should have left home.<br /><br />Note-you should call your credit card company and let them know you will be out of the country and maybe using your card. <br /><br />5.If You Are Taking A Cruise- Leave One Day Early<br />We love to go a day early and stay in a hotel near the cruise port. This really helps with tip number one, relax. We can sleep in, get to the ship early and be out by the pool before most people get to the airport. Pack a pair of shorts or a swimsuit and cover up in your carry on, it maybe a while before your luggage arrives in your cabin.<br /><br />6. Proper Documents<br />You cannot travel without the proper documents.&nbsp; The minute you book your vacation check your documents to be sure of the expiration date. Wondering&nbsp; how I know this? I carry a Canadian passport, last September we had a vacation booked to Mexico. I never checked my passport until about 8 days before we left. So after, 3 tanks of gas,&nbsp; $250.00 and 2 trips to Canada and I got my passport the day before we left.-Not a relaxing way to start a vacation!<br /><br />&nbsp;Check with your travel agent or tour/cruise company to make sure you have proper documentation.<br /><br />7. Purchase A Cruise Or Travel Guide<br />This will really help you prepare and have a great vacation. The Internet has a lot of information but having a guide with you on your vacation will come in handy.&nbsp; This gives you information about beaches, buses and activities. <br /><br />8. If You Are New To Travel-Use A Travel Agent<br />The commission for most packages and cruises are built into the price. You may pay a small agent fee but it will be well worth the money.&nbsp; The Internet is a great resource but will not replace an experience travel agent.<br /><br />9.All Inclusive Or Cruise-what's a vacationer to do?<br />An all-inclusive or resort vacation is much more relaxing than taking a cruise. The cruise has activities planned from morning until night,(besides eating) if you try to do everything you can stay very. very busy. A resort (all-inclusive) has activities but has a way slower pace.&nbsp; (I will post about the cost and differences between them at another time)<br /><br />10. Airport Off-Site Parking.<br />Check with the Internet and the local airport. On-site parking is very expensive. Off-site parking can save you a lot of money.&nbsp; We also sometimes book a hotel that includes the parking. So do the math, if it is $10.00 a day to park for 7 days, and you can go the night before and stay at a hotel for $70.00 or $90.00 a night and it includes the parking.&nbsp; We are about 3 hours from Detroit, this work great, we do a Park &amp; Stay at a hotel by the airport for about what 7 days of parking cost. Plus the hotel transfers you back and forth the the airport and sometimes includes breakfast:) <br /><br />Have a great vacation!<br /><br />Added my tips to <a href="http://www.manylittleblessings.com/" target="_blank">Many Little Blessing</a> site, for&nbsp; TOP TEN TUESDAY:)Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-54967421639609445712012-03-04T15:09:00.000-08:002012-03-04T19:52:30.142-08:00How To Pack 5 Days Of Healthy Food In 1 HourEvery Sunday, it is a ritual at our house, to pack a full week of meals for my husband. Ben drives a semi-truck and makes two trips a week from Michigan to the east coast.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gz0qA6VXRjc/T1Pq52IqeFI/AAAAAAAAAHE/26zNCya0_Rw/s1600/lunchontable.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gz0qA6VXRjc/T1Pq52IqeFI/AAAAAAAAAHE/26zNCya0_Rw/s640/lunchontable.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Together we prepare his lunch, it takes about an hour.<br /><br />We also do veggies for me to take in my lunch for the week. I've been dieting--seriously for a few years:) and this makes it much easier in the morning, I can just grab the little baggies and pack my lunch quick.<br /><br />It saves both time and money.&nbsp; I think it is so much healthier for him to eat out of his cooler<br /><br />I hope some of these tips help you to pack healthier lunches.<br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>The best thing I have found is making wraps for him to take for the week.</b> <br /><br />I use flat bread or whole wheat tortillas and a little cream cheese for the base.&nbsp; For meat, I use grilled (in the summer) or baked (in the winter) chicken breast. I season the chicken breast with Montreal Chicken Seasoning and add little honey just before we take it off the grill or out of the oven.<br />Purchased rotisserie chickens work well also.&nbsp; Beside the cream cheese and meat I add a slices of cheese (Ben's favorite is sharp cheddar).<br />I use only romaine lettuce since it will stay crisp all week.<br /><br />Then I wrap each one individually with plastic wrap. <br /><br />NOTE: Lunch meat will work if you eat the wrap the next day.&nbsp; If you are making warps for the week like I do, lunch meat does not work. (I think it is the water that is in the lunch meat)<br /><br /><b>Real cooked chicken </b>or any other<b> cooked meat</b>, like beef roast, pork loin or turkey do not get soggy In fact, Ben says, the wraps on Friday taste the same as Monday, so I am confident these wraps can be made ahead of time. <br /><br /><br />Other things we make, are canned salmon with olive oil mayonnaise and a little Montreal Chicken seasoning. He eats this like a dip with crackers or celery.<br /><br />He loves Greek yogurt especially<a href="http://chobani./"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_622163196"> </a><a href="http://www.chobani.com/" target="_blank">Chobani</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w35fXyQ0hpw/T1PrA1CezoI/AAAAAAAAAHM/8iu6o8oLFA0/s1600/chobani.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w35fXyQ0hpw/T1PrA1CezoI/AAAAAAAAAHM/8iu6o8oLFA0/s400/chobani.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />You should try Greek yogurt, the protein is much higher and it taste great!<br /><br />Beside the items listed so far we add fresh fruits, a bag of cookies and a few other snack items.&nbsp; He takes milk and cereal, low fat cottage cheese, mixed nuts, oranges juice and drinks <i><b>lots</b></i> of coffee.<br /><br />He can fill his <a href="http://www.shopstanley-pmi.com/" target="_blank">Stanley Thermos</a> for about $1.50 which saves us money, since it is cheaper than by the cup.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nd4eMh7AHdI/T1PvbfV_LgI/AAAAAAAAAH8/8mTdQlkgFx8/s1600/stanley2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nd4eMh7AHdI/T1PvbfV_LgI/AAAAAAAAAH8/8mTdQlkgFx8/s400/stanley2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />If you knew my husband, you would know he has a certain way to pack his lunch in his&nbsp;<a href="http://www.coleman.com/" target="_blank"> Coleman</a> cooler.<br /><br /><br />Empty&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kum8FEVFagY/T1PrDGCZggI/AAAAAAAAAHU/V318lSZxVz8/s1600/emptylunchbox.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kum8FEVFagY/T1PrDGCZggI/AAAAAAAAAHU/V318lSZxVz8/s400/emptylunchbox.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;Full<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ogxw6zSSE8M/T1PrFUeJ0RI/AAAAAAAAAHc/SMxE6ZcC1HY/s1600/packedlunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ogxw6zSSE8M/T1PrFUeJ0RI/AAAAAAAAAHc/SMxE6ZcC1HY/s400/packedlunch.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Everything has it own spot, so he can find it while driving down the road.<br /><br />I am so glad he has fresh and healthy food to eat!&nbsp; Plus, at Ben's last physical he got a great report from our family doctor. She told him to keep up the good work!<br /><br /><br />Here's my Ben:) <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q4GysEMRzc/T1PrJ0gWVLI/AAAAAAAAAHs/N_IfCREFndI/s1600/trucker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q4GysEMRzc/T1PrJ0gWVLI/AAAAAAAAAHs/N_IfCREFndI/s320/trucker.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-57391366855955112222012-03-02T16:08:00.001-08:002012-03-03T12:03:12.556-08:00Lunch with Candice Olson-HGTV<a href="http://www.mycandicedesign.com/" target="_blank">Candice Olsen </a>came to the Grand Rapids, Home and Garden Show as guest of<a href="http://www.standaleinteriors.com/" target="_blank"> Standale Interiors</a>.&nbsp; I bought a ticket to hear her speak, but I was also selected to have lunch with her after the presentation. <br /><br />It was so much fun!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--z7uEC0K_TY/T1FNrNFN6tI/AAAAAAAAAGs/vkpbz3qkNkM/s1600/candiceolsen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--z7uEC0K_TY/T1FNrNFN6tI/AAAAAAAAAGs/vkpbz3qkNkM/s640/candiceolsen.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I am a big fan (but who isn't) of <a href="http://www.mycandicedesign.com/" target="_blank">Candice Olsen</a> and I love to watch her show <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/divine-design/show/index.html" target="_blank">Divine Desgin</a>&nbsp; and <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv-design-star/show/index.html" target="_blank">Design Star</a> on <a href="http://hgtv./">HGTV</a><br /><br />&nbsp;Design Star is a competition for <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/" target="_blank">HGTV</a> wantabees&nbsp; to get their own show. My favorite part is the "white box challenge". Each of them gets their own white box space, with a few basic white pieces of furniture and $500.00 to spend at a local store. I love it because it is so fair, they all have exactly the same tools to work with and to see what they come up with (or don't) is just amazing! <br /><br />&nbsp;(Candice told me she is not participating as a judge this year, and they are taping right now for this summer show.)<br />&nbsp;I can hardly wait!<br /><br />The event started with a very informative 1 hour presentation, packed full of her best ideas. She was very easy to listen too and sometime really funny.<br /><br />PS: I am wearing my <a href="http://azuliskye.com/hollyphillips" target="_blank">Azuli Skye</a>&nbsp; necklace I bought from <a href="http://azuliskye.com/hollyphillips" target="_blank">Holly Phillips</a>- love it! <br /><br />Like, Candice I am from Canada, it was great to hear a few eh's. (For those of you who do not know, Canadian's love to end their sentence with.... eh? No too sure why but they all do it!)<br /><br />A nice lunch was&nbsp; provided by<a href="http://www.standaleinteriors.com/" target="_blank"> Standale Interiors&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; Standale Interiors&nbsp; carry her line of furniture,&nbsp; <a href="http://www.mycandicedesign.com/furniture/" target="_blank">Candice Olson Furniture Design</a> by <a href="http://norwalkfurniture.com/" target="_blank">Norwalk Furniture</a>).<br /><br />&nbsp;At lunch, Candice was so sweet, very warm and friendly. She went from table to table "speed dating" style and took time to have her picture taken and talk to everyone.<br /><br />This event inspired me to give you a couple of my design tips:) <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1T5j409Gbs/T1FNtTAcMXI/AAAAAAAAAG0/9u2lvgR-6nw/s1600/colorsdecora+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1T5j409Gbs/T1FNtTAcMXI/AAAAAAAAAG0/9u2lvgR-6nw/s640/colorsdecora+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1T5j409Gbs/T1FNtTAcMXI/AAAAAAAAAG0/9u2lvgR-6nw/s1600/colorsdecora+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>I call this my idea/love it book! For years&nbsp; I have kept pictures of room, spaces and colors I that I love. Sometimes, I know exactly why I like the space, sometimes it is harder for me to define but I keep the picture anyway.&nbsp; It REALLY helps you to identify what you like.<br /><br />It can be an interesting&nbsp; exercise to take some time and go through the book....you will discover your design style.<br /><br />My second tips is paint chips. There is SO much you can do with them. ( I have to give credit, my mum is the queen of using paint chips for home decorating)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_2wz321NRFQ/T1FNvj43tyI/AAAAAAAAAG8/IbF1g6nOQuw/s1600/paintchips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_2wz321NRFQ/T1FNvj43tyI/AAAAAAAAAG8/IbF1g6nOQuw/s640/paintchips.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I carry my little notebook with all my household colors in it. That way when you come across a fun item or are doing some serious shopping you will know if it is the right color to match your space.<br /><br />(We have all bought what we thought was the PERFECT&nbsp; color match, only to get home and it is so WRONG!) <br /><br />&nbsp;It was a great day.&nbsp; I think everyone, (including me) was ready to go home and design something!<br /><br />Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-2807020470576350672012-02-25T11:40:00.000-08:002012-02-26T11:25:17.642-08:00Pattern Picking-Finger Licking?When I started this blog venture, my daughter <a href="http://www.ourgoodwinjourney.com/" target="_blank">Jenilee&nbsp;</a> told me I could blog about<b> anything</b> not just sewing.<br /><br />Today, I am going to write about something that happens at every pattern area in every fabric/craft store, ladies licking their fingers to turn the pages of pattern books.<br /><br />From my vast experience at observing this ritual I think it happens an average about once every 6 or 7 pages. From my observation. the newer the book the more frequent the licks. Those pages are really difficult to separate, until they have been thoroughly used and licked!<br /><br /><b>(It drives me crazy).</b><br /><br />I have been to many different fabric/craft stores for over 35 years, in two countries ( I grew up in Canada) and ladies lick their way through the pattern catalog.&nbsp; <br /><br />When wallpaper was popular years ago, those books always got a good licking too!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3oGBnM6ARRI/T0kzDOY9HAI/AAAAAAAAAGc/1UKF5GEqogk/s1600/wallpaper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3oGBnM6ARRI/T0kzDOY9HAI/AAAAAAAAAGc/1UKF5GEqogk/s400/wallpaper.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />So this is my quick solution.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-luu-MSXSQ9E/T0kom_EhJ_I/AAAAAAAAAFs/Lc4NLCo4B_A/s1600/DSCN0517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-luu-MSXSQ9E/T0kom_EhJ_I/AAAAAAAAAFs/Lc4NLCo4B_A/s640/DSCN0517.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I thought about having a contest to have you guess what the purpose is for pattern picking?<br /><br />I am so positive no could guess I thought would just tell you.<br /><br /><br />I decided that I wanted to go to the fabric store today and look for a new jacket pattern.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCUtN75Lj18/T0kqxwu1XKI/AAAAAAAAAF8/J3SJo0iEjkE/s1600/pattern2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCUtN75Lj18/T0kqxwu1XKI/AAAAAAAAAF8/J3SJo0iEjkE/s400/pattern2.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Since I did not have what a teller uses to count <b>dirty money.</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IXcJ5GkLW8A/T0lwFnIFBHI/AAAAAAAAAGk/O_Nlupio2n0/s1600/bankteller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IXcJ5GkLW8A/T0lwFnIFBHI/AAAAAAAAAGk/O_Nlupio2n0/s400/bankteller.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uinjLEuf8EY/T0ks7nnakSI/AAAAAAAAAGU/GkFUczfiTMA/s1600/fingerstuff.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uinjLEuf8EY/T0ks7nnakSI/AAAAAAAAAGU/GkFUczfiTMA/s320/fingerstuff.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.leeproducts.com/Sorting_Sortkwik.aspx" target="_blank">(Lee Product Company)</a> <br /><br />&nbsp;I decided to put a wet paper towel in a zip lock bag.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-luu-MSXSQ9E/T0kom_EhJ_I/AAAAAAAAAFs/Lc4NLCo4B_A/s1600/DSCN0517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-luu-MSXSQ9E/T0kom_EhJ_I/AAAAAAAAAFs/Lc4NLCo4B_A/s320/DSCN0517.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />When I arrived at the pattern table I had it all to myself.&nbsp; Needless to say this was wonderful, anyone who had licked their way through the books before me had already left. (Sometimes, it is better not to know who looked before you)<br /><br />I took the little zip lock bag out of my purse and<b>&nbsp; discreetly </b>placed it on the table. It worked great every few pages I quietly moistened my finger and quickly made it through several books.<br /><br />&nbsp;After about 15 minutes, a lady sat down right beside me and found a book.&nbsp; She immediately preceded to lick her finger and loudly smack her lips as she looked through the book I just set aside......I am sure she appreciated not having <i><b>my</b></i> DNA on each page of the book!<br /><br />I think the next time I go to a office supply store I am going to pick up a Sortkwik and keep it handy for my next trip to the fabric store. It will look a little more classy then my homemade solution!<br /><br />I hope the next time YOU go to a fabric store you go prepared with a sanitary way to lick your way through the pattern books! <br /><br /><div id="outerflashcontainer"><div id="innerflashcontainer"><div class="thumbs"></div></div></div>Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-77381927563300303012012-02-21T05:23:00.000-08:002012-02-23T13:22:18.338-08:00Apron Design Spotted<b>I was reading my daughter's<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_968123656"> </a><a href="http://www.ourgoodwinjourney.com/2012/02/family-night.html" target="_blank">Jenilee Goodwin's</a> Blog<a href="http://www.ourgoodwinjourney.com/2012/02/family-night.html"> </a>and I spotted one of my apron being used while cooking&nbsp; dinner with daddy.</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4UNahaI2T8E/T0OevVC2xdI/AAAAAAAAAFc/CiUmBe606dk/s1600/abbyanddaddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" lda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4UNahaI2T8E/T0OevVC2xdI/AAAAAAAAAFc/CiUmBe606dk/s640/abbyanddaddy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>This is Abby and her daddy&nbsp;making dinner.&nbsp;</b> <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAwCSKgJ3wA/T0Oex0_FbmI/AAAAAAAAAFk/yHgXbiLUw-E/s1600/abbyanddaddy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" lda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAwCSKgJ3wA/T0Oex0_FbmI/AAAAAAAAAFk/yHgXbiLUw-E/s320/abbyanddaddy2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b>&nbsp;When I was at their house last weekend my other grand daughter Elayna had her apron hung on the back of her bedroom door. She hung it up so she could see the little sticker&nbsp;on the back of&nbsp;her apron &nbsp;that says </b><b>"Made With Love by Grandma"</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>I will probably add this style of apron to my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewfundesign">Etsy Store</a>. It is&nbsp;very adjustable around the waist and neck. </b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>Enjoy your day!</b>Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-45300524143799158762012-02-19T16:16:00.000-08:002012-02-23T13:26:56.699-08:00A Special Thank You<br /><br /><b>Just a quick note about my new blog and<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewfundesign" target="_blank"> Etsy site</a>. I've&nbsp; been sewing off and on for years.</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>My latest (and greatest:) motivation are my 5 grand daughters.</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0kf47Dxozyc/T0GHP1gbvoI/AAAAAAAAADg/yYTTOgUFNt8/s1600/granddaugthers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0kf47Dxozyc/T0GHP1gbvoI/AAAAAAAAADg/yYTTOgUFNt8/s200/granddaugthers.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b><br /></b><br /><b>Christmas 2010 it was matching snuggies</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aV5GeAPkd8/T0GIJIQO4CI/AAAAAAAAADo/ckAWpe2nxi8/s1600/Christmas+with+The+Cousins+061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aV5GeAPkd8/T0GIJIQO4CI/AAAAAAAAADo/ckAWpe2nxi8/s400/Christmas+with+The+Cousins+061.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>&nbsp;Last year was matching aprons. </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2yqnR9NT9bo/T0GIbEc75ZI/AAAAAAAAADw/9_uqAloRXZE/s1600/APRONGIRLS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2yqnR9NT9bo/T0GIbEc75ZI/AAAAAAAAADw/9_uqAloRXZE/s400/APRONGIRLS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>I've been getting request for my designs so I started an<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewfundesign" target="_blank"> Etsy shop.&nbsp;</a></b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>Please take a minute and take a look.</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>I would like to thank a few people,&nbsp; <a href="http://www.ourgoodwinjourney.com/" target="_blank">Jenilee Goodwin</a> for patiently showing me how to use <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/SewFunDesign" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/sewfundesign/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, blog and helping with my Etsy Store.</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>I also would like to give credit to <a href="http://www.hannahnicoledesigns.com/" target="_blank">Hannah Nicole Designs</a> for the logo, blog design and<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewfundesign" target="_blank"> Etsy store </a>front.&nbsp; Her packages and prices are great and her work is even better. Thanks Hannah.</b>Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535558939802320431.post-39743025027487275072012-02-17T18:44:00.000-08:002012-02-23T13:30:07.317-08:00A Fun Day with Crazy Creatures!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1JzWK0v5Dg/Tz8FzKKmdZI/AAAAAAAAAA4/iqIv86plvPo/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1JzWK0v5Dg/Tz8FzKKmdZI/AAAAAAAAAA4/iqIv86plvPo/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Crazy Creatures are one of my current <a href="http://sewfundesign.blogspot.com/p/top-projects.html" target="_blank">Top Projects</a>. I let my granddaughters play with them today and they had a blast!</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>One of the best things about these Crazy Creatures is that Build-A-Bear clothing will fit them perfectly. And, although I include a tutu with the girl's Crazy Creatures, it was fun for them to be able to play dress up&nbsp; with their new toys. </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6bex7I_o-8/Tz8OnKIrJlI/AAAAAAAAACY/Mvy5-QHpukM/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6bex7I_o-8/Tz8OnKIrJlI/AAAAAAAAACY/Mvy5-QHpukM/s640/1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CTWLSHlKcjU/Tz8OnupW9-I/AAAAAAAAACg/27_TCDM5vM4/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CTWLSHlKcjU/Tz8OnupW9-I/AAAAAAAAACg/27_TCDM5vM4/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><br /></b><br /><b>I enjoyed watching the girls have fun and get creative with my designs. </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cKG6am-PUOo/Tz8OoG4Vz7I/AAAAAAAAACo/XSPhMypTFuw/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cKG6am-PUOo/Tz8OoG4Vz7I/AAAAAAAAACo/XSPhMypTFuw/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><br /></b><br /><b>Cowboy boots and all! </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-feW4wqnM8f0/Tz8OoxlxugI/AAAAAAAAACw/prTMmCx1gLs/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-feW4wqnM8f0/Tz8OoxlxugI/AAAAAAAAACw/prTMmCx1gLs/s400/4.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zE4RFXiEBK4/Tz8OplErtmI/AAAAAAAAAC4/YonA0BS5mYk/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zE4RFXiEBK4/Tz8OplErtmI/AAAAAAAAAC4/YonA0BS5mYk/s400/5.jpg" width="386" /></a></div><b><br /></b><br /><b>Crazy Creatures are very fun for kids! </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eaHBBfZhNOA/Tz8OqfWWW8I/AAAAAAAAADA/UKcjJtX2j00/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eaHBBfZhNOA/Tz8OqfWWW8I/AAAAAAAAADA/UKcjJtX2j00/s640/6.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MauXZCho6v0/Tz8Oq-UxHxI/AAAAAAAAADI/bHwtpd4vay4/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MauXZCho6v0/Tz8Oq-UxHxI/AAAAAAAAADI/bHwtpd4vay4/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><br /></b><br /><b>With their unique eyes and mismatched fabrics, these dolls with be a favorite with your kids or grandkids for a long time to come! </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSiAq8xLJZQ/Tz8OrgTJZwI/AAAAAAAAADQ/-_7uwVAH8NI/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSiAq8xLJZQ/Tz8OrgTJZwI/AAAAAAAAADQ/-_7uwVAH8NI/s640/8.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Crazy Creatures for boys coming to the<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewfundesign?section_id=11152477" target="_blank"> Etsy store</a> soon!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pN1HlPAUbKQ/Tz8QGbO_BAI/AAAAAAAAADY/thXCINN_b7U/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="630" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pN1HlPAUbKQ/Tz8QGbO_BAI/AAAAAAAAADY/thXCINN_b7U/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Sew Fun Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431796883032318175noreply@blogger.com0